Valve's Early Access program lets you play in-development games

[Shawn Knight]

Valve has announced an Early Access program that will allow PC and Mac gamers to purchase and start playing new titles while they are still in development. The company said a number of prominent titles have embraced this development model recently and found a ton of value in the process which is one reason they want to get in on the action.

The approach will vary by developer but interested parties are invited to check out the listing of Early Access titles on Steam and find something they like. Valve advises players to look at screenshots and videos of a game in its current state to gauge interest and check to see how often the developer updates the title.

Once you find something that interests you, simply buy the game or download it if it is free. Note that some developers will offer a discount for buying early while others may charge a premium for early access. This will all depend on their goals and the level of commitment and feedback they desire from Early Access customers.

As of writing, there are 12 games being offered in the Early Access program: Arma 3 Alpha, Kerbal Space Porgram, StarForge, Kenshi, Prison Architect, Kinetic Void, Gnomoria, Under the Ocean, Patterns, Gear Up: Premium, Drunken Robot Pornography, and 1…2…3… Kick It! Titles are in varying stages of production (some as early as Alpha) so take note of this before you place your order.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/52017-valves-early-access-program-lets-you-play-in-development-games.html

 

[ghasmanjr]

I saw Arma III Alpha last week and I was looking all over the internet to find any information about it (no YouTube videos though) and I came up dry. Has anyone played it? For $29.99 and a free copy of the finished game when it's released, it sounds like a helluva deal if the game isn't terrible. I'm getting accustomed to games costing $49.99 on the PC.

 

[HiDDeNMisT]

Yes I saw this last night on steam. Looks pretty good. Im def going to get into this.

 

[Guest]

YES drunken robot pornography! I can't wait to play that game. Everybody drop your pants and pay the cash!

 

[oldikes]

Kerbal is amazing fun for those im bored out of my mind days.

 

[mrcavooter]

I have the Arma Alpha and it is good. There are a limited number of scenarios and vehicles, but still worthwhile. Arma has a great modding community and community in general. Well worth the investment.

 

[ghasmanjr]

I have the Arma Alpha and it is good. There are a limited number of scenarios and vehicles, but still worthwhile. Arma has a great modding community and community in general. Well worth the investment.

Gameplay-wise: is it highly flawed? I know it's only the alpha, but does it have severe clipping issues or anything like that?

 

[mrcavooter]

Well, I honestly have played 10 minutes and cannot comment on that. This is finals week at school (lame quarter system).

However, later this weekend I will be putting in some quality time with the Alpha and I will report back. Feel free to message me in a few days if you don't hear from me.

 

[mrcavooter]

I can tell you though the Track Mania Stadium 2 Beta is legit.

 

[Guest]

I have logged in over 70 hours into the Kenshi game. It is amazing experience that is only going to get better with time. Not to mention I can put my ideas and thoughts on the forums and maybe influence the game in a way. So sick!